Surgery on eyesight of MoMo merchant attacked with acid begins

The Director of Korle-Bu' Teaching Hospital's Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, Dr Opoku Ware Ampomah, says doctors are working to correct the eyesight of a mobile money merchant who suffered an acid attack.

The young lady was attacked by suspected robbers at Gomoah Fetteh in the Central Region.

Dr Ampomah told Joy News that the victim, Kate Aidoo, is suffering from blurry visions as a result of the acid, hence a major concern for doctors.

“The eye doctors are doing their best. We are also looking forward to taking her to the theatre to provide skin graft to her chest.

"The wounds on her chest are quite deep and wouldn’t heal if we leave them alone,” he said.

He explained as the victim transitions from living with her normal appearance to being scarred for life, it is going to be a traumatic journey.

“No amount of surgery will ever restore you to your original state,” he said.

The victim, Kate Aidoo was attacked on March 25 around 10:30 pm.

She suffered severe injuries and was rushed to the Hope Christian Hospital at Gomoah Fetteh for emergency treatment and later moved to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The suspects, Yaw Danso and Amoo Daniel, who made away with Miss Aidoo’s money were later arrested by the Gomoah Ojobi Police.

Members of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group has made a cash donation towards the upkeep of the Ms Aidoo.

Dr Ampomah expressed worry about how readily acid is available on the open market.

He stated, “if you have GHS5 [$1] you can easily get acid to buy in the market. Some of these chemicals are sometimes diffused.”

Dr Ampomah explained people’s access to such chemicals should be limited by making sure they (the chemicals) are not just allowed to be handled by anybody.

Many mobile money merchants have suffered attacks at the hands of robbers with some of them losing their lives altogether.

Members of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group told Joy News that they have advised their members not to fight back when they are attacked, especially by armed robbers.

General Secretary, Michael Asante, said members put their lives at risk when they take on the robbers.